Transit Options

Nicollet Island-East Bank Neighborhood

The Nicollet Island-East Bank area is a central transit hub due to its proximity to downtown and the University of Minnesota. Route 6 is a primary connection along Hennepin Avenue, linking Nicollet Island to downtown Minneapolis, Uptown, and Edina. Route 10 travels along Central Avenue NE, providing frequent service to northeast Minneapolis and downtown. Route 4 also serves this neighborhood along Central Avenue, connecting Nicollet Island to key destinations north and south of the city. For cross-town service, Route 61 provides a connection along E Hennepin Avenue, linking this neighborhood to St. Paul and Roseville.

Marcy-Holmes Neighborhood (including Dinkytown)

Marcy-Holmes is well-served by Metro Transit, providing convenient connections to downtown Minneapolis, the University of Minnesota, and surrounding neighborhoods. The Route 2 bus runs along 8th Street SE and connects the area to Franklin Avenue and Uptown, making it a vital east-west corridor. Route 6, which follows University Avenue SE and Hennepin Avenue, offers frequent service between downtown Minneapolis and Southdale Mall, with stops near the heart of Marcy-Holmes. The Route 4 bus also serves the neighborhood, traveling along Central Avenue SE and connecting to neighborhoods north and south of the city. Additionally, the Route 61 line runs along E Hennepin Avenue, providing service between downtown Minneapolis and St. Paul via Larpenteur Avenue.

University Neighborhood

The University neighborhood is among the most transit-rich areas in the Twin Cities, with several bus lines catering to students, staff, and residents. Route 3 runs through the heart of the University of Minnesota campus along Washington Avenue SE, connecting to both downtown Minneapolis and downtown St. Paul. Route 6 travels along University Avenue SE and 4th Street SE, offering frequent service to Uptown, Edina, and downtown Minneapolis. Route 2 provides an east-west connection along Franklin Avenue and 8th Street SE, linking the University area to Riverside, Uptown, and Seward. For cross-campus travel, the Campus Connector (Route 121) provides free shuttle service between the East Bank, West Bank, and St. Paul campuses of the University of Minnesota. Additionally, Route 7 and Route 22 provide access to neighborhoods south of the University, while Route 10 offers service along Central Avenue NE to Northeast Minneapolis.

Como Neighborhood

The Como neighborhood is primarily served by Route 3, which runs along Como Avenue and provides a direct link between downtown Minneapolis, the University of Minnesota, and downtown St. Paul. This bus route is a critical east-west connection for residents and students. Route 30, a crosstown route, travels through Como along 15th Avenue SE, connecting the neighborhood to Northeast Minneapolis, Columbia Heights, and the Prospect Park area. Route 61 also serves Como via E Hennepin Avenue, offering another link to St. Paul and nearby suburbs.

Mid-City Industrial Neighborhood

Public transit options in the Mid-City Industrial neighborhood are somewhat limited compared to residential areas. However, Route 17 provides service along Washington Avenue N, connecting the neighborhood to downtown Minneapolis and the Bryn Mawr area. Route 30 runs along Industrial Boulevard and Hennepin Avenue, offering a crosstown connection between Northeast Minneapolis and St. Paul. This route is especially useful for commuters working in the industrial district.

CAR SHARING SERVICES

Car-sharing services are a convenient and sustainable transportation option in the East Bank Neighborhoods. We benefit from our proximity to the University of Minnesota, downtown Minneapolis, and high-density residential areas, creating ideal locations for car-sharing services. Below is an overview of the car-sharing options available:

Zipcar

Zipcar is one of the most prominent car-sharing services in the area, particularly in the University neighborhoods. With vehicles located on and near the University of Minnesota campus, including Marcy-Holmes and Como, Zipcar offers flexible rental options by the hour or day. Popular parking spots include lots near Dinkytown, the East Bank, and Stadium Village, making it convenient for students and residents to access a vehicle for errands or trips. Members can book vehicles via the Zipcar app, and gas and insurance are included in the cost.

HOURCAR

HOURCAR, a local nonprofit car-sharing service, operates in the Twin Cities and serves the Marcy-Holmes, Nicollet Island-East Bank, and University neighborhoods. Vehicles are parked at designated hubs, including near the University of Minnesota, in Dinkytown, and along Central Avenue. HOURCAR focuses on sustainability, with a fleet that includes fuel-efficient and hybrid vehicles. Membership includes hourly and daily rental rates, and it’s an excellent option for residents seeking a local alternative to traditional car rental services.

Evie Carshare

Evie Carshare is the Twin Cities’ all-electric car-sharing service, operated by the same organization as HOURCAR. Evie’s fleet of electric vehicles is available for one-way trips, with charging stations scattered across Minneapolis and St. Paul. This service is particularly convenient for residents of Marcy-Holmes, Nicollet Island-East Bank, and the University neighborhoods, offering eco-friendly transportation with affordable pay-as-you-go pricing. Evie also integrates with the HOURCAR network, providing members with access to both services.

Turo

For those looking for a peer-to-peer car-sharing option, Turo allows residents in these neighborhoods to rent vehicles directly from local owners. Turo offers a wide range of vehicle types, from budget-friendly options to luxury cars. This service is ideal for longer trips or specific needs, as renters can choose the type of vehicle that best suits their plans. Availability depends on individual owners, but the high population density in these neighborhoods ensures a variety of options.

Lyft and Uber

Although not traditional car-sharing, Lyft and Uber now offer short-term car rental options through their respective apps. These services are designed for flexible use, with vehicles available for a few hours or days. While these options may not have dedicated hubs in the neighborhoods, they are accessible through app-based reservations and can be a convenient alternative to car ownership.